P0706 on 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline: Transmission Range Sensor Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline

The first-generation Honda Ridgeline uses a 5-speed automatic transmission with an externally mounted transmission range sensor. This sensor is known to be a common failure point, often due to its exposure to the elements, which can lead to internal corrosion and signal problems. Owners frequently report this code appearing along with seemingly unrelated issues like the cruise control shutting off, which is a specific quirk of this platform when the range sensor signal becomes erratic. A user on a forum noted that their cruise control issues, which had been happening for a year, were surprisingly fixed after replacing the sensor for the P0706 code.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Flashing 'D' (Drive) indicator on the instrument cluster, often while driving
• Engine will not start, or only starts in Neutral but not Park
• Inability to shift the gear lever out of Park
• Harsh, erratic, or delayed gear shifting
• Transmission enters 'limp mode' (stuck in one gear)
• Gear indicator on the dashboard does not match the shifter's position
• Cruise control randomly deactivates or fails to engage.
• Reverse lights do not turn on when in Reverse.

Most Likely Causes

1. Faulty Transmission Range Sensor (Neutral Safety Switch) 🔴 High Probability The sensor is mounted externally on the transmission case, making it susceptible to moisture and corrosion over time, especially from road salt in winter climates or salt air in coastal areas.
   How to confirm: Test the sensor's continuity at its electrical connector for each gear position as outlined in the factory service manual. However, given the high failure rate and corroborating symptoms (flashing 'D' light, cruise control failure), many owners and shops proceed with replacement.
   Typical fix: Replace the transmission range sensor and ensure the new part is correctly aligned. It is highly recommended to use an OEM Honda part, as some owners have reported that aftermarket sensors can fail quickly or not resolve the code.
   Est. part cost: $60-$250
2. Corroded or Damaged Wiring/Connector 🟡 Medium Probability The connector for the sensor is also in an exposed location and can accumulate moisture and dirt, leading to poor electrical contact. Wires can also become brittle and break at the connector.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the sensor's electrical connector and nearby wiring for green/white corrosion, bent pins, or frayed wires. One owner on a Honda Element forum (which shares a similar design) found a wire had broken off inside the connector harness, which required soldering to repair.
   Typical fix: Clean the connector terminals thoroughly with an electrical contact cleaner or replace the connector pigtail if damage is severe. In some cases, a broken wire may need to be soldered back onto its pin.
   Est. part cost: $10-$40
3. Misaligned Transmission Range Sensor ⚪ Low Probability This occurs if the sensor was previously replaced but not aligned correctly. The mounting holes are slotted to allow for adjustment, and precise alignment is critical.
   How to confirm: With the transmission in Neutral, check if the alignment marks on the sensor and its housing line up perfectly. Many DIY guides and forum posts recommend inserting a 5mm drill bit or feeler gauge through the alignment holes on the sensor and bracket to ensure perfect alignment before tightening the bolts.
   Typical fix: Loosen the sensor's mounting bolts, shift the transmission to Neutral, and carefully adjust the sensor's position until the alignment marks match (or a 5mm bit passes through smoothly). Then, retighten the bolts.
   Est. part cost: $0

Rare But Worth Checking

• Low or Contaminated Transmission Fluid: While less common for this specific code, very low or dirty fluid can cause erratic transmission behavior that may, in some cases, be misinterpreted by the system. It's a basic check worth performing.
• Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM): This is very rare. The PCM should only be considered after the sensor, wiring, and alignment have all been confirmed to be good. A diagnostic video for a different vehicle showed a case where the PCM was the culprit after all other components checked out.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Read the trouble codes with an OBD-II scanner. Note if P0700 is present with P0706.
2. Test basic functions: Does the engine start in Park? Does it start in Neutral? Do the reverse lights work? Does the gear indicator on the dash match the shifter position for all gears?
3. Jiggle the shifter in Park or Neutral while turning the key. If the truck starts intermittently, it strongly points to a bad range sensor.
4. Locate the sensor on the driver's side of the transmission. There are two common access methods: from above (by removing the battery and tray) or from the side (by removing the driver's side wheel and splash shield).
5. Disconnect the sensor's electrical connector and inspect it and the sensor's pins for any signs of corrosion, moisture, or damage. Clean as needed.
6. If the connector is clean and the problem persists, the sensor itself is the most likely cause.
7. For advanced diagnosis, use a multimeter to check for continuity between the sensor's terminals at each gear position, following the procedure in the service manual.
8. If replacing the sensor, carefully follow the alignment procedure: place the transmission and the new sensor in the Neutral position and ensure the alignment marks line up before tightening the bolts. Using a 5mm drill bit to confirm alignment is a common and effective technique.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Transmission Range Sensor (Neutral Safety Switch) (OEM #28900-RDP-003, 28900-RJF-013) — This is the primary component that fails. Part number 28900-RDP-003 is listed for 2006-2007 models. Part number 28900-RJF-013 is listed for 2007-2008 models and supersedes 28900-RJF-003. Always verify fitment with your vehicle's VIN before ordering.
  Trusted brands: Honda (Genuine OEM), Standard Motor Products (SMP), Rostra
  OEM price range: $170-$250
  Aftermarket price range: $60-$180

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0700 — P0700 is a generic code that simply means the Transmission Control Module (TCM) has stored a fault. It almost always appears as an 'umbrella' code whenever a more specific transmission code like P0706 is triggered.
• P0705 — P0705 indicates a circuit malfunction rather than a performance/range issue, but both point directly to a problem with the same sensor or its wiring.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• No specific Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) from Honda directly address the P0706 code on the Ridgeline as a widespread, recall-level issue. The problem is generally handled as a standard component failure and repair. A search for related TSBs did not yield a specific bulletin for this fault.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• A known symptom on the Ridgeline is the cruise control system deactivating when this sensor fails, which can confuse diagnosis if not aware of the link.
• A user on Reddit with a 2008 Ridgeline confirmed that replacing the sensor fixed both the P0706 code and an intermittent cruise control issue. They were able to duplicate the cruise control failure by tapping on the shift lever.
• Another user on a car forum with a 2006 Ridgeline reported their cruise control had not been engaging properly for a year before the P0706 code appeared; a new sensor fixed both problems.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Transmission Range Sensor Signal Wire Voltage (Key On, Engine Off) — expected: Approx. 12V on inactive signal wires; Approx. 0V on the single wire corresponding to the selected gear.. Failure: Voltage that does not drop to ~0V when a gear is selected, or voltage that is low (<12V) on inactive circuits, may indicate a faulty sensor, a wiring issue, or a bad ground.
• Transmission Range Sensor Continuity Test — expected: With the sensor connector disconnected, a multimeter should show continuity only between the specific pin pairs for each gear position as defined in the service manual.. Failure: No continuity where there should be, or continuity on incorrect pins, indicates a faulty sensor.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Honda Diagnostic System (HDS): Live Data Monitoring (e.g., ATPP, ATPR, ATPN, ATPD) — This is the primary professional diagnostic step. The technician monitors these values while moving the shifter through each gear to see if the PCM is receiving the correct 'ON' or 'OFF' signal for each position. An incorrect reading immediately points to a problem in the sensor or its circuit.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Transmission Range Switch Connector (10-Pin) — On the transmission range sensor, located on the driver's side of the transmission housing.. This is the main connection point for all sensor signals. Corrosion or damage here is a common cause of P0706. A 2008 Ridgeline wiring diagram shows the following pinout: Pin 3 (WHT) is Reverse, Pin 4 (BLU/BLK) is Park, Pin 5 (BLK) is Ground, Pin 7 (BLU) is Drive '2', Pin 8 (RED/BLK) is Neutral, and Pin 2 (YEL/GRN) is Drive 'D'.
• G101 — On the transmission housing.. This is the primary ground point for the transmission range sensor. A poor connection at G101 can cause floating voltages and erratic signals from the sensor, leading to a P0706 code even if the sensor itself is good.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Reddit user in r/hondaridgeline (2008 Honda Ridgeline RTL) — Check Engine Light with code P0706, and cruise control would intermittently shut off. The cruise control failure could be duplicated by tapping on the shift lever.
  ✅ What actually fixed it Replacing the transmission position sensor with a new Honda OEM part fixed both the P0706 code and the cruise control issue. The user noted the repair can be done from the top by removing the battery/tray or from the side by removing the wheel/splash guard.
• Reddit user in r/HondaElement (Honda Element (similar transmission design)) — Persistent P0706 code after replacing the range sensor twice (once with aftermarket, once with OEM).
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Replacing the sensor with an aftermarket part., Replacing the sensor again with an OEM part.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The user discovered a broken wire inside the sensor's connector harness. The final fix was to bypass the bad connection by soldering a new wire directly from the transmission harness to the sensor connector harness.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 28900-RDP-003 → N/A — This is the specified part for early first-generation models.
  Heads up: This part is listed specifically for 2006-2007 Honda Ridgeline models.
• 28900-RJF-003 → 28900-RJF-013 — Part update by manufacturer.
  Heads up: 28900-RJF-013 is listed for 2007-2008 models. There is an overlap year, making it critical to verify the correct part number with the vehicle's VIN before purchasing.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2006-2007 vs 2008+: The OEM part number for the transmission range sensor changes. 2006-2007 models typically use 28900-RDP-003, while 2008 and later models use a different part number, such as 28900-RJF-013. While they are functionally similar, using the wrong part may lead to fitment or electrical issues.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: A used OEM sensor from a verified low-mileage donor vehicle can be a cost-effective alternative to a new OEM part. Since this is a common failure item, a new part is generally safer, but a used part is preferable to a new aftermarket one.

Donor-vehicle mileage cap: roughly under 80000 miles for the part to have meaningful remaining life.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• Inspect the electrical connector pins for any signs of green or white corrosion.
• Check the plastic housing for cracks or heat damage.
• Ensure the metal lever arm is not bent or excessively worn.
• If possible, verify the donor vehicle did not have transmission-related trouble codes.

OEM-only on this vehicle (don't cheap out):

• Transmission Range Sensor

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• General/unbranded aftermarket sensors. Forum users on related Honda platforms report that vehicles can be 'very picky' about electronic sensors, and aftermarket versions may fail quickly or not resolve the code, even when new.

Real Owner Stories

Aggregated from forums and TSBs cited above. Mileages and costs reflect what owners reported in those sources.

Documented NHTSA Reports

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0700 — Transmission Control System (MIL Request). This is a general code that indicates the Transmission Control Module has stored a specific fault, such as P0706. It almost always appears with P0706.
• P0705 — Transmission Range Sensor 'A' Circuit Malfunction (PRNDL Input). This code points to a general failure in the same sensor circuit. The corrosion or wiring damage that causes P0706 can also trigger P0705.
• P0707 — Transmission Range Sensor 'A' Circuit Low. This can be caused by the same issues as P0706, such as a broken wire or corroded connector pin leading to a loss of signal.
• P0708 — Transmission Range Sensor 'A' Circuit High. Can be triggered by a short circuit in the wiring or an internal sensor failure, which are root causes shared with P0706.

Frequently Asked Questions